Do You Ever Think

of the cost of our Freedom?

Yesterday while having lunch at Chik-fil-A with DH I noticed a military man sitting a few tables up.  I couldn't help it, my eyes kept drifting back to him even while I was talking with DH.  Fortunately his back was to me so he didn't think I was a stalker.  

I wondered where he had been.  If he had just come "home".  If he had a family who had been impatiently waiting for his return but most of all, what he has been through.  Over and over I see our military out.  At airports, hotels, and restaurants.  Those same questions seem to run through my mind over in over but most of all I ALWAYS question why I never see anyone walking up to them, Thanking them, Welcoming them home.    

I watched him.  He was sitting across from an older man who I would assume was his Dad.  Same build, same features.  Same military haircut.

I watched as he seemed uneasy.  Watching people around him.  I didn't know if it was habit from where he'd been or if he was afraid someone would come to him upset.  (That I have seen) 

As DH & I were getting refills of tea I handed mine to him and walked over to him. 

I asked him if he had been serving.  He answered yes with an unsure look.  I shook his hand and thanked him for his service.  He had a look.  I'm not sure if it was shock or surprise.  My heart broke thinking how sad it is people do not thank them enough.  I reached over and hugged him tight and told him I was glad he was home.  DH had come over by then and thanked him as well.  When we walked out DH said, "Did you see him tear up?"  I replied, "No because I couldn't see for my own tears."  He touched me deep.  

His willingness to give himself freely to ensure my Freedoms, which are many. 

 

If you see our service men and women, please greet them. 

Thank them. 

(image from Google)

It takes only a second of your time for which they have given hours on end of theirs for you. 

Today I am Thankful for ALL our men and women in service. 

Especially Mr. Kidd who we met by chance in Chik-Fil-A.

Sledding & Things

On the way home this evening I looked over and there in the dark were some kids sledding down their hill.

It quickly took me back many many years ago when there was only Momma, Me & Josh.

I can remember how excited we were before bed and the thought of a big snow.

Barely able to sleep, but Momma still making us go in case of school.

Then late that night I remember Momma waking us up to see how much it had snowed.

She said, get dressed and get your jackets on.

She went and got our sled and let us play in the snow, and go sledding in the dark!!

It was so much fun.  It is one of my favorite memories of being little.

We did that several times growing up.

The first year DH and I were dating, he was down for a visit.

We got a big snow, and about 11 Momma called, asking if we wanted Dad to come get us to go sledding. 

I think DH thought we were crazy.

He had a blast of course.

Thank You Momma for the best memories ever!!

Today being "Thankful Thursday" I am "Thankful" for

the snow falling, giving that warm fuzzy feeling

a doggie who loves to see me come in the door, and tonight couldn't wait to get in the snow

the sight of children playing in the snow with their parents

a hubby willing to drive me in this mess!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate! Mmmmmm

Thankful Thursday

I'm still trying to get over this garb that I have.  I received notice it has decided to become a perminent resident in my chest.  I received the address change today from my head to my chest.  YAY!!
Tomorrow is Christmas parties at work for our departments.  Fortunately our boss is taking us to Cheddars for an extended lunch.  Dave and them are having a snack day.  Luckily he is only required to bring rolls.  The girls had mercy on me.

Today I am Thankful for so much.  I do not even know where to begin. 
I'm thankful it's going to snow this weekend on into next week.  I am hoping for a White Christmas.
I'm so glad all my family will be here for Christmas
I'm thankful for a warm house and some hot soup for my tummy.
I'm thankful I AM going to be well by the weekend so I will not be sick while off!!!

But most of all I am Thankful for a Savior who was willing to come one night, and be humble enough to lay in a manager unlike the King He was.  That He grew up to give His life for me.

What are you Thankful for this Christmas Season?